Police reappeal for witnesses over Tobermore murder

Police have relaunched their appeal for witnesses following today's funeral of 36-year-old Ronald Mackie, who was murdered in Tobermore, County Londonderry, on July 29.

A total number of eight people have been arrested in relation to the incident.

So far, four men have been charged with Mr Mackie's murder, four were released without charge, and one male, who was arrested for causing death by dangerous driving, was released pending further reports.

Mr Mackie, from Kippen in Stirlingshire in Scotland, was attacked by a crowd of men sometime between 1.45am and 2.15am on Saturday July 29, after a row broke out at an event inside the Tobermore United Football Club in Tobermore.

After being beaten, the gang left Mr Mackie in the path of an oncoming vehicle.

The victim was visiting family in Northern Ireland, and had been watching an Orange Parade in Maghera, before going into the Tobermore United Football Club, prior to his murder.

Police believe that over 200 people attended the event inside social club, and detectives have urged anyone who was in the club, and have not yet come forward, to do so immediately.

They have also asked for anyone who may have witnessed anything outside the club, regardless of how trivial it may seem, to contact them on 0845 600 8000, or anonymously on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.

(EF)